The chairman of the People’s Republic of China, Hu Jintao, has been extended an invitation to be guest of honour at the St Petersburg international economic forum in June.

Russian Presidential aide, Arkady Dvorkovich, has told the media that the invitation was extended on Tuesday.

"We expect many visitors at our forum in St. Petersburg. We have sent an invitation to the chairman of the People’s Republic of China, Hu Jintao, to be guest of honour at the forum and to present a report after the introduction of Russian President Medvedev at the plenary session."

Dvorkovich added that a positive response was expected soon.

"We anticipate the agreement of our Chinese partners in the near future and are counting on their participation at the forum."

This year’s St Petersburg international economic forum will focus on emerging economies, under the theme ‘Emerging Leadership for a New Era’ from June 16-18 this year.Sessions will be organised around the issues of Securing Global Growth, Building Russia’s Creative Capital, and Expanding Technology Horizons.